The Letter Gerry Rafferty Wrote To Himself During Stealers Wheel’S Lowest Point

April 2, 2025

In the early 1970s, Stealers Wheel was riding high on the success of their hit song “Stuck in the Middle with You.” The catchy tune had played on radios everywhere, making Gerry Rafferty and his bandmates stars overnight. But fame can be a fickle friend, and as quickly as it came, it began to fade. Struggles with creative differences, personal demons, and the pressures of the music industry started to take their toll. It was during this dark time, when everything seemed to be unraveling, that Gerry found himself alone in a cramped hotel room, staring at a blank piece of paper. Feeling lost, he decided to pour out his thoughts in a letter to himself.

As he wrote, Gerry reflected on the chaos surrounding him. The band was at a breaking point, and he felt a deep sense of doubt creeping in. In the letter, he expressed his fears about losing his passion for music. He remembered the joy he felt when he first picked up a guitar and began writing songs. “What happened to that joy?” he wondered. But with each stroke of his pen, he also reminded himself of the importance of resilience. It was as if he was having a conversation with his future self, urging him to hold onto his dreams despite the present struggles.

The words flowed freely, and Gerry began to see the light in the darkness. He wrote about the power of music—the way it could connect people and tell stories that mattered. He recalled the exhilaration of performing live, the thrill of sharing his art with an audience, and the overwhelming support of fans. In that moment of vulnerability, he rediscovered the passion that had ignited his journey as an artist. The letter became a source of strength, a reminder of why he had chosen this path in the first place.

Days turned into weeks, and the challenges continued to loom large, but Gerry kept the letter close. Whenever doubt would creep in, he would read those heartfelt words he had written to himself. They served as a beacon of hope, guiding him through the storm. Eventually, he realized that every artist faces obstacles, but it is the love for the craft and the willingness to persevere that makes a true musician. Instead of giving up, he decided to take a leap of faith, pouring his heart into new music that reflected his journey.

Years later, Gerry would go on to enjoy a remarkable solo career, fueled by the lessons learned during Stealers Wheel’s toughest times. His songs became timeless classics, resonating with audiences around the world. The struggles he faced shaped not only his music but also the person he had become. He often credited that one letter he wrote to himself as a turning point in his life—a pivotal moment that reminded him to stay true to his passion and never lose sight of what truly mattered.

In the end, Gerry Rafferty’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our lowest moments, we have the strength to rise above. That letter, filled with honesty and hope, became a symbol of resilience. It taught him that when life gets tough, it’s important to hold onto your dreams and remember why you started in the first place. And through the music he created, Gerry showed the world that passion, perseverance, and self-encouragement can turn even the darkest days into a triumphant celebration of life.